AIM ¶ 11-1-2 — UAS NAS Access
AIM 11-1-2 explains how UAS operators access the National Airspace System: Part 107, recreational, and Part 91 rules, LAANC, UASFMs, and altitude limits.
In Plain English
AIM 11-1-2 explains how Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are integrated into the National Airspace System (NAS) without compromising safety. The FAA provides several pathways for UAS operators depending on aircraft weight, purpose, and airspace.
General rule: UAS under 55 lbs Maximum Gross Operating Weight (MGOW) may fly within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) up to 400 feet AGL in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace. Operating in controlled airspace requires ATC authorization.
The three main access categories:
- Part 107 (small UAS): Request authorization via LAANC or DroneZone for Class B, C, D, or surface Class E. The UAS Facility Map (UASFM) shows the maximum altitude pre-approved without further coordination. Operators may request "further coordination" up to 400 ft AGL.
- Recreational flyers: Need prior authorization in controlled airspace. In Class G, limited to 400 ft AGL. May fly higher only at FAA-recognized fixed flying sites under a letter of agreement.
- Part 91 UAS: Public UAS and civil UAS ≥ 55 lbs MGOW require a Certificate of Authorization (COA) with specific geographic/altitude limits, plus compliance with Part 21 experimental certification.
Knowing these pathways matters operationally because manned pilots increasingly share airspace with drones, especially below 400 ft near airports.
AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 11-1-211-1-2. 11-1-2. Access to the National Airspace System (NAS) for UAS Operators
UAS operations must be integrated into the NAS while maintaining existing operational capacity and safety without introducing an unacceptable level of risk to airspace users or persons and property on the ground. The FAA is committed to striking the appropriate regulatory and oversight balance to ensure that American innovation is able to thrive without compromising the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world. UAS operators can access the NAS in multiple ways. Generally, UAS weighing less than 55 pounds MGOW are permitted to operate within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) up to 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace. Operations within controlled airspace require specific authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC). Part 107 sUAS operators can request airspace authorizations via Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) or DroneZone to fly within Class B, Class C, Class D or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport. Operations within controlled airspace can be readily approved in accordance with the altitude values indicated on the corresponding UAS Facility Map (UASFM). The UASFM values indicate the maximum altitude at which a UAS operation can be approved without any further coordination with the respective ATC facility. Part 107 remote pilots and operators may request “further coordination” for an airspace authorization to operate above UASFM values, up to 400 feet AGL. (See paragraph 11-4-2 for further information regarding part 107 operations.) NOTE- Emergency airspace authorizations for Special Government Interest (SGI) UAS operations will be addressed in paragraph 11-8-5 . Recreational flyer operations. Recreational flyers may operate in certain controlled and uncontrolled airspace under specific conditions. In Class B, C, D or the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport. The operator must obtain authorization prior to operating. In Class G airspace, the aircraft must be flying not more than 400 feet AGL and comply with all airspace restrictions and prohibitions. Recreational flyers may operate at an FAA-recognized fixed flying site above 400 feet AGL with a FAA-approved letter of agreement from the appropriate ATC authority or up to UASFM altitudes in controlled airspace with an airspace authorization obtained through LAANC. Part 91 UAS Operations. Public UAS, and civil UAS 55 pounds or more MGOW operate under 14 CFR part 91, UAS operations. Public UAS operators and civil, non-recreational UAS weighing 55 pounds or more MGOW are provided NAS access by compliance with certain parts of 14 CFR part 21, experimental certificates, and 14 CFR part 91, UAS Operations. part 91 UAS operators require a COA to operate within the NAS. Specific geographic/altitude limitations are prescribed in the COA. Additional pilot and aircraft requirements are applicable to part 91 UAS operations. See Chapter 11 , Section 3, Large UAS (MGOW 55 Pounds or More), and paragraph 11-4-3 , Airspace Access for PAO, for further information on Part 91 UAS operations. REFERENCE- 14 CFR Section 21.191, Experimental Certificates. FAA Order JO 7210.3, Chapter 5, Section 5, 14 CFR Part 91, UAS Operations. Previous | Top | Next AIM | ATPUBS | FAA | Send your comments regarding this website.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Generally, where and how high may a small UAS operate without ATC authorization?
Per AIM 11-1-2, UAS weighing less than 55 lbs MGOW may operate within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) up to 400 feet AGL in uncontrolled Class G airspace. Operations in controlled airspace require specific ATC authorization.
Q2How does a Part 107 remote pilot obtain authorization to operate in controlled airspace, and what is a UASFM?
Per AIM 11-1-2, Part 107 operators request authorization via LAANC or DroneZone for Class B, C, D, or surface Class E. The UAS Facility Map (UASFM) shows the maximum altitude at which an operation can be pre-approved without further ATC coordination; operators may request 'further coordination' for higher altitudes up to 400 ft AGL.
Q3What are the access requirements for civil UAS weighing 55 pounds or more MGOW?
Per AIM 11-1-2, public UAS and civil UAS of 55 lbs MGOW or more operate under 14 CFR Part 91 and require a Certificate of Authorization (COA) specifying geographic and altitude limits, along with compliance with parts of 14 CFR Part 21 (experimental certificates).
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 11